qing xian round 4

we made it out to the coutryside again last weekend with the intention of being helpful with farm work, and to expose our kids to wonderful people who live vastly different lives then they do. It was fun-- we mostly just hung out in their home, ate a huge meal that the son and daughter prepared for us, and fellowshipped. The previous night was a lock in at school, so upon arriving, all the boys found the family's bed and conked out.





We finally shucked some peanuts at the end of our visit and of course, the family wanted to send us home with them!




ahh... qing xian:)

fat with big nose

I admit that I'm watching myself grow out of clothes in unlikely and unflattering (well, depending if you are asking me or Dave) places, which is getting a little annoying in a country with Asian proportions. I was hoping that I was the only one that noticed... in my more coherent days. Other days I simply don't care, it's sometimes a miracle to be up and around when all I have energy for is laying in bed watching the sky outside.

Yesterday was a not so bad day, but I certainly wasn't feeling awesome... So I went to class and make myself sit in the front row so I can try and keep up with the teacher... (emphasis on TRY). Yesterday we were learning about descriptive words for people. So a class exercise was that someone in the class would describe someone else and the rest of the class had to guess who was being described. First, the teacher described me "big nose, big eyes"-- considering that Patrick and I are the only non-Asians, and sit in the front of the classroom, it had to be one of us. "big blue eyes"-- well, he looks a little middle eastern, so of course, I was the blue eyed one. A couple other people were described... and then a little woman with thick pink lipstick and a permanent that doesn't move described someone.

"This person is fat, has a big nose, and is wearing a black sweater... I'm thinking to myself- I've already been described, can't be me again??? I kind of tuned out the rest of the description when I realized I WAS indeed the one being described... Fat with big nose? Great... that's how I'm going to be remembered by this delightful little class of miniature Korean women with no curves in their features at all. ARG.

So, of course I'm feeling rather low and stopped by the $1.20 hair cutting salon on my walk home and decide to get a little trim... And come out with 6 inches of hair gone, with a definite Chinese cut (read:lots of uncalled for feathering) and feeling worse and worse... The day wasn't over yet, still had to make it to the grocery store and buy some crackers and yogurt (yes, such a variety of food).. And some cover-up for the variety of red eruptions that have decided to cover my face in the last couple of weeks. I feel like I've reverted to 7th grade hormonally. Lucky me, some special for the employees is going on in the makeup section and I find myself having to elbow my way to just look at the cover-up while all the employees are rummaging through the makeup trying on all the lipstick and when I ask for help, everyone ignores me (like all 20 green vested women fighting each other to get to the makeup.) (Is this REALLY happening?)

Now I'm feeling REALLY tired, but day isn't finished yet.. there's another hour of Chinese character class to go. Which is great. A lovely teacher, kind, understanding.. And so I have 30 minutes to crash before meeting Dave and Kate and the Headrick kids at the pool for a workout. At this point I am willing myself to go, knowing that swimming will make me feel better, but riding my bike through 3 construction projects (all related to creating a new subway system) takes a certain tole.

Good news.. swimming was great. I am still decent at something. And I feel worlds better.. Still fat, still big nosed, but definitely able to whop on any one of those women in my class if you put us in the pool...

Now to do something about this hair...

no doubt

There's no doubt about the changes happening in my body. I am reminded daily.... Most days I'm pretty tired, though this past Wednesday and Thursday I seemed to have a reprieve from the exhaustion and constant nausea. We went swimming Wednesday which felt so good, I definitely need to do that more often. We are looking at joining a gym again, so that would be great. Today was a hard day though. I went to Chinese class thinking it would be another great day, but half way through was hit by the tummy pains and tiredness. I rode my bike home and slept through the day, waking up to talk with my new Ayi, eating a homemade concoction of corn noodle soup with an egg for protein (it's pretty difficult to get enough protein that doesn't make me gag... not sure I quite trust the milk yet, but am putting yogart in morning smoothies). Blast corruption!!!

So, there are a lot of changes happening here and now. It's been really encouraging to be part of a community that supports us, loves us, desires our good and encourages us to pursue the Father. As of late, we have been exploring possibilities of what could happen after this year. Both of our teaching contacts are fulfilled in June (great timing, child!) And we have the choice of whether or not to renew our contracts, or to perhaps pursue Dave's dream to go to seminary. We've come to the conclusion that we need to pray-- ask HIS desire whether to go or stay, then make some decisions.

We love our jobs now though, they've been a great blessing. So much has happened in the years we have been here that we've been able to have really fun roles in... But as I'm realizing that I won't be able to be the adventure ed director with a baby, I'm also given the peace that I've given my life to something very worthwhile, and now perhaps there is another and new challenge that lies ahead... something I don't might not know yet.

I had a keen insight in Mongolia this past summer that helps explain what I'm feeling. We were at the apex of our trip, spending the day hiking to the top of a mountain that we have been heading for the entire trip. At the bottom of the mountains, we could see a little up the hill, and as we progressed up, finally a mountain top came into view. We were tired, the path was steep, but we encouraged each other to the top, thinking that we had made it. Once we got there, looking to our Mongolian guide, he smiled at us and pointed us to a higher view that could only be seen from the top of the first mountain. It was a monstrous mountain off in the distance. Our guide told us that had been the destination the whole time, we just couldn't see it. (the team almost mutinied, but decided to press on)... So, as I hiked along the ridge to the base of the next mountain, I felt the Lord telling me that my journeys in China, my dreams of adventure education here, have been like the first mountain. A great climb, a worthy goal, and something I could see more clearly as I hiked up. In that moment I felt like I had made it to that peak, and in this past trip to Mongolia, felt as if I it was the top of the mountain. And now I'm walking on the ridge, another mountain in view, a lot of unknowns, but a sense of peace that whatever the challenge or journey ahead of me, I wasn't alone. And someone else had been making the path for me the whole time. And would be there with me along the climb (and there are going to be so many more beautiful views along the journey!)

Answer Key

Have you ever thought you can fit 5 on a bike? It's definitely possible, but a lot easier when two are in utero!

Yes, we are expecting! In early June. And don't I feel it! Wow! Today Dave ran a 1:21 half marathon, and I couldn't even make it to the finish line via taxi in time!! (partly because all the roads were closed and I had to walk a good portion of the race to make it to the end!) But, all this training in the past I hope has been put to good use for now... until a good deal later:) (I WAS wondering why I was SO EXHAUSTED on my training runs a month ago!)

We are very excited and anticipating, it's fun and unbelievable to think this is happening to us. And everyone who is wondering... yes, I am feeling all the signs of pregnancy... I've never experienced exhaustion at this level previously, constant queasiness (thanks Susie for your magnet wrist band), and rollercoaster emotions. It's going to be a journey that's for sure. We're 2 months along presently and are wondering what the next 7 are going to hold!

A Riddle

just a little bit annoyed....

Ok, so you've probably all heard about the recent milk contamination issue here in China. Adding toxic chemicals to boost the tested (though not actual) protein content in milk. GRRRR. Seriously people, don't poison your milk to earn money. In hopes of not having kidney problems, I'm pretty much forgone drinking milk (except for a little in my morning coffee, and using what we think is safe, though not sure). And switching over to soy milk. Not a big deal, but annoying and frustrating for many people. Not to mention so many affected by this with sickness, kidney stones, and other major problems. Most affected are infants who are ingesting this stuff in their infant formula. That my friend, is a crime.
Sometimes it just gets to be a little much never being able to trust anything...